FAQs

LASIK was invented decades ago‌ by a Spanish ophthalmologist named José Barraquer. He began researching the possibility of reshaping the eye's cornea to help correct his patients' vision. Barraquer pioneered the “flap creation” technique, a foundation of modern LASIK. Building off Barraquer’s initial findings, the concept evolved to include laser technology in the 1980s. That was around the time that researchers discovered that excimer lasers could remove tissue with true precision.

Check out our blog on the history of LASIK for a deeper dive into its history and how it evolved over the decades.

How long LASIK lasts depends on several factors. While the procedure permanently reshapes the cornea - and those results are long-term - our eyes naturally change as we age. These normal age-related changes can affect vision over time, but they are not caused by the LASIK procedure itself.

If you want more information on how long results from a LASIK procedure can last, check out our blog article.

The cost of LASIK can vary depending on several factors, including the strength and complexity of your prescription, which helps determine the most appropriate procedure. The technology and laser system used can also influence pricing, as can the type of procedure recommended—such as LASIK, PRK, or ICL—each designed to address different vision needs.

Want to know how much you'll save just by ditching the glasses and contact lenses? Use our LASIK savings calculator to find out.

How long LASIK eye surgery take depends, but normally you can expect to it to take about 10 to 15 minutes to perform LASIK on each eye. Most of that time goes into preparation and making sure the laser is perfectly aligned. The actual laser correction typically lasts under a minute. Expect to spend about one to two hours total at the clinic, which includes pre-operative and post-operative check-ups.

Want a more in-depth overview of how long the entire LASIK process takes? Give our blog article a look. Check out our step-by-step guide to LASIK.

Most insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because glasses and contact lenses are considered effective alternatives, and LASIK is classified as an elective procedure. As a result, it’s usually paid out of pocket. However, some employers or insurance plans may offer discounts or partial reimbursement. In the U.S., patients can also use FSA or HSA funds to help reduce the cost with pre-tax dollars. While full coverage is uncommon, there are still ways to make LASIK more affordable.

Read more about LASIK insurance.

How long it takes to recover from LASIK varies, but generally, patients start to notice a change in the first few days following a LASIK procedure. In fact, many people say they notice clearer vision in just the first 24 hours after their procedure — some even say they see a difference in the same day! Remember, no two procedures are alike, and healing looks different for everyone.

Read more about recovery.

Yes, LASIK corrects most cases of astigmatism. Astigmatism is the refractive error that occurs when the cornera (the front surface of the eye) isn't perfectly round, and its shape resembles a football more than a baseball. This can cause blurry or distorted vision. During LASIK, the laser reshapes the cornea to allow light to enter and focus properly on the retina. It's highly effective on mild and moderate astigmatism.

Want to learn more about astigmatism, one of the more common refractive errors out there? Read up about it on our blog article.

In short, LASIK reshapes the surface of the eye, while Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) replaces the eye’s natural lens. LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea and is typically recommended for adults under 45 with stable prescriptions and healthy corneas, helping them see clearly without glasses or contacts. RLE is generally recommended for adults over 40 experiencing age-related near-vision changes (presbyopia), or for those who aren’t candidates for LASIK. In RLE, the natural lens is replaced with an advanced artificial lens, providing clear vision now and helping prevent cataracts in the future.

No, LASIK cannot correct eye floaters. Floaters are the result of clumps or vein-like strands in the vitreous, which is the gel-like fluid inside your eye. While LASIK is highly effective at reshaping the corner, the outer layer at the front of your eye, it cannot access the part of your eye that floaters proliferate. However, if you notice floaters in your vision, you may still be an eligible candidate for a LASIK procedure.

Read more about eye floaters on our blog.

LASIK and SMILE are both laser procedures that reshape the cornea to correct vision, but they do so in different ways. LASIK involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, then reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser—typically recommended for adults under 45 with stable prescriptions and healthy corneas. SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to create and remove a small lens-shaped piece of tissue through a tiny incision, without creating a flap. SMILE is often suited for patients with higher prescriptions, active lifestyles, or dry-eye concerns. Both procedures aim to provide clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Many people are excellent candidates for a LASIK procedure. To find out if a LASIK procedure is right for you and if the surgery can correct your specific refractive error, we recommend you book a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll assess your candidacy and determine the course of treatment best suited for your vision.

Find out if you're a candidate.

No, LASIK and cataract surgery are not the same procedures. While both of these treatments can help correct your vision, the procedures differ. LASIK enhances clear vision by reshaping the cornea. Cataract surgery, on the other hand, involves replacing a cloudy lens with a new artificial one to offer clear vision.

Discover our procedure guide.